And for the players, it’s a jumpstart academically and in football for players. Fuente noted another potential long-term benefit for recruits.

“You’re talking about kids who have maybe passed 18 (credit) hours before they even get on the football field and play a game,” he says. “On the back end, it allows you to graduate earlier and opens up some options for those kids in terms of what they want to do. Part of that is why you’re seeing the graduate transfers (increasing).”

On the other hand, there’s a short term benefit for them.

Another potential plus: increased roster depth for spring practices — which is a semi-hidden issue routinely faced by college programs, given the departure of the previous season’s seniors (and sometimes players who left early for the NFL Draft, as well).

Over/under on Spring Game attendance this April? I know it is weather dependent but I think about half that would be pretty good, assuming no rain in the forecast. Not as much to sell in 2017 for a scrimmage.

Quote Of The Day

“He had some good pointers,” Smart said about Saban’s advice on dealing with the quarterback battle. “But I’ll keep that between he and I. I’m always looking for good advice especially dealing with the quarterback situation.” — Dawgs247, 5/16/18